Rare wine collectors from across the globe can be confident in the knowledge that the 2016 wine line-up has been curated by an expert panel of international industry leaders when they raise their paddles on 16 & 17 September.

This year’s group of eight judges has a truly global footprint and exceptional professional experience, consisting of no less than six Masters of Wine (MW), the highest level of professional knowledge in the industry.

The panel will convene on 17 and 18 March to taste and select the 2016 Nederburg Auction selection from more than 500 wines submitted. They are Tim Atkin MW (GB), Cathy van Zyl MW (SA), Greg Sherwood MW (GB), Justin Knock MW (AUS), Richard Kershaw MW (SA), Roland Peens (SA), Kenichi Ohashi MW (Japan) and Andreas Larsson (SWE).

"The Nederburg Auction has been absolutely uncompromising in the rigour and standards upheld in the selection process for wines to go on auction in recent years,” says sommelier at large and Nederburg Auction consultant Higgo Jacobs.

“This shows in the distinction and reputation of the judges assembled for the tasting panel, who collectively offer influential expertise across different sectors of wine business. This not only safeguards the quality of auction items, but also provides a platform for a very influential view and assessment of South Africa's best rare wines."

“We feel extremely fortunate to be hosting such a compelling panel of wine experts to curate our wines this year,” says Nederburg Auction manager Dalene Steyn. “Ken and Andreas join the panel for the first time, and I have no doubt that adding their skills and backgrounds to the mix will facilitate extremely interesting discussions on the subject of quality, not to mention expanding international awareness for the Nederburg Auction.”

Steyn says the selection panel is expected to receive an exceptionally tight brief to select only the very best wines with intent to give buyers absolute confidence when paying a premium for the wines selected. “This stringent process has resulted in lower volumes featuring on the auction, but with lot sizes accordingly reduced to ensure that all bidders have an opportunity to acquire wines.” 

Producers keen to submit wines for selection to the 2016 Nederburg Auction can do so here: http://enter.nederburgauction.co.za/Login-Winery.aspx. Submissions close this coming Friday, 12^th February.